Editor’s note: The following letter was submitted last week to members of the Auburn City Council and Board of Public Works. In addition, the City Administrator Feasibility Team provided a copy to the newspaper so its readers can be better informed on the subject which will be included on the March 8 agendas for the BPW and City Council. Serving on the feasibility team are Council members Dennis Wittmann and Larry Holtzman, and BPW Board members Dan Snyder and Doug Glenn.  
City Administrator Proposal
The idea of hiring a City Administrator has been discussed at council planning sessions for more than a decade, but nothing came of it. The idea has always failed to leave the council sessions because it was not feasible for the city to support a City Administrator alone.
Mayor Engles noted that many of the progressive communities our size and larger utilized City Administrators. An investigative team was formed to  determine if this would be a viable option for Auburn. The cities of Aurora, Central City, Beatrice, Fairbury, Nebraska City and Wayne were contacted. A matrix (obtainable at City Hall) was made which includes the answers for all cities that engaged in the questionnaire. All towns were positive about the increase in efficiencies  and communications that they received to the benefit of the community as a result of having a City Administrator. The cities contacted believed that the position was especially efficient when the City Administrator was responsible for the local Board of Public Works also.
The City Administrator Feasibility Team determined that what Auburn needs is:
Efficiencies—Board of Public Works, street and services department, office personnel and police department know what each other is doing for the better use of time, sharing responsibilities/equipment, is a benefit to the local tax payer and receiver of city services. One person, reporting directly to the mayor and president of the BPW board who understand how the inner workings of all departments can be best utilized for the betterment of all.
Communication—One person who can best keep all departments of the city organized and structured. That person would also be responsible for giving the proper and accurate information to the mayor and president of the BPW. One person who is responsible for the accurate and correct information given to civic groups, clubs and the media to help defray the reliance on hearsay or uninformed gossip that disrupts the harmony of the community.
Accountability—The City Administrator will be held accountable for Board of Public Work and city expenditures, and to provide for the most cost efficient manner of providing those services. The City Administrator will be responsible for the administration of tax dollars, grants, inter-local agreements, and other sources of revenue.
Short and Long Range Planning — Development of an organized plan, both short- and long-range, that involves the Board of Public Works and all city departments for the future growth and development of industry,  housing, public amenities; and for the preservation and improvement of those already in existence. An organized plan will enable the city to best use the fiscal resources available.
The investigative team, inclusive of members from the City Council and the BPW, has agreed that a City Administrator would be advantageous for Auburn if that person is responsible for both the city and BPW. The investigative team also believes that the city and the BPW should share  the cost of the administrator. It is the recommendation of the investigative team that the best choice for the position of City Administrator for the city of Auburn is Mr. Dave Hunter.
BPW, Council Will Next
Meet on Monday, March 8
The Board of Public Works regularly meets at noon on the second Monday of the month. This month’s meeting will be Monday, March 8 in the board conference room.
The Auburn City Council regularly meets the second and fourth Monday evenings each month. The next council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 8 in the council chambers.